Elvis Kernaghan, a descendant of Australian country music royalty, is making waves across outback Queensland. Touring with his band, The Min Min Lights, Kernaghan is not only recording new music but also engaging schoolchildren in songwriting workshops at every stop. This initiative brings a unique musical experience to some of the most remote areas of the state.
Kernaghan, who grew up surrounded by musicians and is the nephew of four-time ARIA award-winning country singer Lee Kernaghan, has returned to Australia after spending several years in the UK. Accompanied by bassist Zachary Le Sauvage and drummer Dan Wetstone, he is reconnecting with his roots and sharing his passion for music with the next generation.
Bringing Music to the Outback
From Bedourie to Normanton, Burketown to Boulia, Kernaghan and his band have been conducting day-long workshops, guiding students through the process of writing and performing their own songs. The workshops start with lyric writing, encouraging children to express what they love about living in the bush.
“We basically just get them to talk about what they love about living in the bush,” Kernaghan explained. The students then direct the band on musical style and tempo, adding sound effects like kookaburras calling and train whistles to enhance their compositions.
“We take a live recording through the desk, we master it and send it back to the school, and they’ve got a fully formed recording of their own song,” Kernaghan said.
Cultural Impact and Educational Benefits
The workshops have had a profound impact on the students, allowing them to incorporate their cultural backgrounds into their music. At Burketown State School, students created “The Moungibi Song,” which includes words from the Gangalidda language.
“One of the song lyrics was, ‘I know this is where I’m meant to be, cause the land chose me,'” said Harmony Ford, a teacher at the school. The song’s performance boosted the students’ self-esteem and emotional development, showcasing their cultural heritage to family and friends.
Principal Chris Ford emphasized the importance of such opportunities, stating, “When specialists like these guys come, it changes the world for the students.”
Challenges and Adventures on the Road
The tour, entirely self-funded by the band, presented its own set of challenges and adventures. Arriving in Australia in June, the band relied on income from workshops to sustain their journey. Despite mechanical breakdowns and the vast, empty landscapes of the outback, the experience has been rewarding.
Drummer Dan Wetstone, experiencing Australia for the first time, marveled at the remote landscapes, while bassist Le Sauvage appreciated the friendly nature of outback communities.
“Everybody smiles at you, everybody says ‘good morning’ — it’s not like that where we come from at all,” Le Sauvage noted.
Continuing a Family Legacy
The inspiration for these workshops traces back to Kernaghan’s mother, Maryen Cairns, who conducted a similar project a decade ago. This family legacy continues as the band encourages children to realize their musical potential.
“The main thing we are trying to push is giving kids the idea that they can do this because we don’t write anything for them, we don’t come up with the ideas,” Kernaghan said. “It’s all the kids.”
As the band wraps up their tour, they leave behind a trail of inspired young musicians and a collection of unique songs that reflect the diverse cultural tapestry of outback Queensland. With each note and lyric, Kernaghan and The Min Min Lights have not only shared their love for music but have also empowered a new generation to find their voice.
